b737NGyyc
23rd Apr 2009, 16:33
It is with great sadness that I inform all of the untimely passing of Captain Rick Wilson. Rick lost the battle with a rare and very aggressive blood disorder on Tuesday evening just after 8 pm MDT.
Following is an excerpt from a communication sent from WestJet's VP Flight Operations.
To All Pilots and Friends of Rick Wilson,
It is with sadness and deep regret that we learned that Rick passed away on Tuesday evening. We have lost an outstanding human being and fellow WestJetter who will be sincerely missed by all who knew him. In keeping with Rick’s wishes, there will be no funeral; instead, a celebration of his life will be held in the future at a date yet to be determined so that the many people who knew Rick will be able to attend. Once these details are finalized and become available, additional information will be provided. Our condolences are extended to Rick’s wife Goldie, who also works for WestJet, and who has been receiving the full support of the WestJet family at this very difficult time.
Prior to flying at WestJet, Rick had a distinguished 28 year military career, mostly as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force. After receiving his wings, Rick instructed on CT-114 Tutors in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, followed by an operational tour flying CF-104 Starfighters in Baden, Germany. Rick subsequently returned to Moose Jaw as the Deputy Flight Safety Officer; it was during this tour that he safely ejected from a Tutor over Calgary. Other aircraft that Rick flew during his military career included the T-33 Silver Star before he retired from the Armed Forces in 1998 while flying the CC-144 Challenger.
As well as being an avid motorcycle enthusiast, Rick’s sporting interests included hockey. Rick began his WestJet career in June 1999 on the B737-200 and was a true friend and colleague to the many WestJetters who had the pleasure to make his acquaintance. He will be sorely missed.
Adios Rick, blue skies, straight roads and no speed limits now. I'll be looking for ya at FL410 from now on.
Following is an excerpt from a communication sent from WestJet's VP Flight Operations.
To All Pilots and Friends of Rick Wilson,
It is with sadness and deep regret that we learned that Rick passed away on Tuesday evening. We have lost an outstanding human being and fellow WestJetter who will be sincerely missed by all who knew him. In keeping with Rick’s wishes, there will be no funeral; instead, a celebration of his life will be held in the future at a date yet to be determined so that the many people who knew Rick will be able to attend. Once these details are finalized and become available, additional information will be provided. Our condolences are extended to Rick’s wife Goldie, who also works for WestJet, and who has been receiving the full support of the WestJet family at this very difficult time.
Prior to flying at WestJet, Rick had a distinguished 28 year military career, mostly as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force. After receiving his wings, Rick instructed on CT-114 Tutors in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, followed by an operational tour flying CF-104 Starfighters in Baden, Germany. Rick subsequently returned to Moose Jaw as the Deputy Flight Safety Officer; it was during this tour that he safely ejected from a Tutor over Calgary. Other aircraft that Rick flew during his military career included the T-33 Silver Star before he retired from the Armed Forces in 1998 while flying the CC-144 Challenger.
As well as being an avid motorcycle enthusiast, Rick’s sporting interests included hockey. Rick began his WestJet career in June 1999 on the B737-200 and was a true friend and colleague to the many WestJetters who had the pleasure to make his acquaintance. He will be sorely missed.
Adios Rick, blue skies, straight roads and no speed limits now. I'll be looking for ya at FL410 from now on.